I brought my 12-year-old granddaughter to our very busy emergency department. She had an accident while skateboarding causing her to fall on her right side. This resulted in multiple abrasions and a possible fracture of her right arm. My granddaughter has an extreme fear of needles and was very anxious about the possibility of getting a "shot." She has also been experiencing some bullying during her first year of middle school.

Her nurse Brandy was phenomenal! Brandy reassured her by promising she would tell her if she was going to need an IV or any type of shot. Brandy worked very hard to build her trust. I had to step out of the room for a few minutes and when I returned Brandy was having a conversation with her about bullying. She asked my granddaughter if she knew who Theodore Roosevelt was and she did. Brandy told her that his wife, Elenore had a quote, "No one can make you feel inferior without your permission." My granddaughter listened to that passing of wisdom very attentively. The emergency room was so busy, however, brandy acted as if my granddaughter was her only patient.

By the end of the visit no broken bones, no IVs, or shots. My granddaughter felt like she gained a new friend in Brandy. I cannot emphasize how impressionable Brandy was on her.